Posts Tagged ‘Security’


Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 14:29 – A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. 

 A quick temper can be like a fire out of control.  It can burn us and everyone else in its path.  Anger divides people. It pushes us into hasty decisions that only cause bitterness and guilt.  Yet anger, in itself, is not wrong.  Anger can be a legitimate reaction to injustice and sin. When you feel yourself getting angry, look for the cause.  Are you reacting to an evil situation that you are going to set right?  Or are you responding selfishly to a personal insult?  Pray that God will help you control your quick temper, channeling your feelings into effective action and conquering selfish anger through humility and repentance.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name.  I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them.  They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds. 

 What made the people listen to and support the false prophets?  These prophets said what the people wanted to hear.  False teachers earn fame and money by telling people what they want to hear, but they lead people away from God.  It we encourage false teaching, we are as guilty as they are.


Under Gods Command

Jeremiah 7:19 But am I the one they are provoking?  declares the LORD.  Are they not rather harming themselves to their own shame?

 This verse answers the question, “Who gets hurt when we turn away from God? We do! Separating ourselves from God is like keeping a green plant away from sunlight or water.  God is our only source of spiritual strength.  Cut yourself off from him and you cut off life itself.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 9:7-10 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.  Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

 Are you a mocker or a wise person?  You can tell by the way you respond to criticism.  Instead of tossing back a quick put down or clever retort when rebuked.  Listen to what is being said.  Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom.  Wisdom begins with knowing God.  He gives insight into living because he created life.  To know God is not just to know the facts about him, but to stand in awe of him and have a relationship with him.  Do you really want to be wise?  Get to know God better and better.


Under Gods Command

Proverbs 8:13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. 

 The more a person fears and respects God, the more he or she will hate evil. Love for God and love for sin cannot coexist.  Harboring secrets sins means that you are tolerating evil within yourself. Make a clean break with sin and commit yourself completely to God.


Under Gods Command

 

Proverbs 7:4-23  (4) Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; (5) they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. (6) At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. (7) I saw among the simple, I noticed among young men, a youth who lacked judgment.  He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in.  Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.  She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) (13) She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said:  I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows.  So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! (16) I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. (17) I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. (18) Come let’s drink deep of love morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! (19) My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. (20)  He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.  (21)With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk.  All at once he followed her like an ox gong to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose (23) till and arrow pierces his liver like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. 

 

Proverbs 7:24-26 Now then my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.  Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths.  Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 

 

Although this advice is directed toward young men, young women should heed it as well.  The person who has no purpose in life is simple-minded (7:7). Without aim or direction an empty life is unstable, vulnerable to many temptations.  Even though the young man in this passage doesn’t know where he is going, the adulteress knows where she wants him.  Notice her strategies: she is dressed to allure men (7:10); her approach is bold (7:13); she invites him over to her place 7:16-18); she cunningly answers his every objection (7:19, 20); she persuades him with smooth talk (7:21); she traps him (7:23).  To combat temptation, make sure your life is full of God’s Word and wisdom. (7:4). Recognize the strategies of temptation, and run away from them-fast. 

 

You can take definite steps to avoid sexual sins.  First, guard your mind.  Don’t read books, look at pictures, or encourage fantasies that stimulate the wrong desires.  Second, keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin.  Third, don’t think only of the moment-focus on the future.  Today’s thrill may lead to tomorrow’s ruin. 


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 7:2-3 Stand at the gate of the LORD’S house and there proclaim this message. Hear the word of the LORD, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the LORD.  This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. 

 The people followed a worship ritual but maintained a sinful lifestyle.  It was religion without personal commitment to God. We can easily do the same.  Attending church, taking communion, teaching church school, singing in the choir-all are empty exercises unless we are truly doing them for God.  It is good to do these activities, not because we ought to do them for the church, but because we want to do them for God


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 6:10 To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed, so they cannot hear.  The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

 The people became angry and closed their ears.  They wanted no part of God’s commands because living for God did not appear very exciting.  As in Jeremiah’s day, people today dislike God’s demand for disciplined living.  As unsetting as people responses might be, we must continue to share God’s word.  Our responsibility is to present God’s word; their responsibility is to accept it.  We must not let what people want to hear determine what we say.


Under Gods Command

 Proverbs 1:7 –  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.   

 One of the most annoying types of people is a know-it all, a person who has a dogmatic opinion about everything, is closed to anything new, resents discipline, and refuses to learn.  Solomon calls this kind of person a fool.  Don’t be a know-it-all.  Instead, be open to the advice of others, especially those who know you well and can give valuable insight and counsel.  Learn how to learn from others.  Remember, only God knows it all.


Under Gods Command

 Jeremiah 3:11-13 – The Lord said to me, Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah.  Go proclaim this message toward the north: Return, faithless Israel declares the LORD, I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful, declares the LORD, I will not be angry forever, Only acknowledge your guilt-you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods, under every spreading tree and have not obeyed me.    

 Israel was not even trying to look as if it were obeying God, but Judah maintained the appearance of right faith without a true heart.  Believing the right doctrines without heartfelt commitment is like offering sacrifices without true repentance.  Judah’s false repentance brought Jeremiah’s words of condemnation.  To live without faith is hopeless; to express sorrow without change is treacherous and unfaithful.  Being sorry for sin is not enough.  Repentance demands a change of mind and heart that results in changed behavior.